How Mileage Affects Used-Car Value

Mileage is one of the biggest factors in used-car pricing, but its impact depends heavily on the car's age — the same mileage number means something very different on a 2-year-old car versus an 8-year-old one.

The rough dollar-per-mile rule of thumb

A common industry approximation values mileage differences at roughly 5-10 cents per mile above or below the norm for that model year, though this varies significantly by vehicle type and current market conditions. A car with 20,000 miles more than a comparable example might reasonably be priced $1,000-$2,000 lower, all else being equal.

Mileage relative to age matters more than the raw number

A 3-year-old car with 60,000 miles has been driven well above the roughly 12,000-15,000-mile average annual pace, which may suggest more highway use (generally easier on a car) or more overall wear, depending on how those miles were accumulated. The same 60,000 miles on a 6-year-old car is right around average and generally less of a concern.

When mileage matters less

For vehicles known to reliably exceed 200,000+ miles with proper maintenance, the mileage penalty in the 100,000-150,000 range is often smaller than buyers assume, provided the service history is solid. Conversely, on a model with a weaker reliability reputation, even moderate mileage can meaningfully reduce value due to the higher perceived risk of upcoming repairs.

Very low mileage isn't automatically a bonus

A car with unusually low mileage for its age can carry its own risks — rubber seals, belts, and fluids degrade over time even with minimal use, and a car that sat unused for long stretches may need more reconditioning than the odometer suggests.